You are here

Biosphere 2

Location: Biosphere 2, Oracle, AZ

The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 has a unique history that has led to its current purpose and mission in the College of Science to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. The name “Biosphere 2” derives from the idea that it is modeled after Earth, the first biosphere. There are five ecosystems under our glass including: ocean, mangrove wetlands, tropical rainforest, savanna grassland, and fog desert.

A visits to Biosphere 2 includes a comprehensive tour of the facility with an interactive discussion of the Biosphere 2 project through time; a look “under the glass” at the biological systems within the structure; and exposure to past and current research underway, with an emphasis on the current flagship study, the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO). The tour can easily be made relevant to current classroom study in consultation with the teacher beforehand.

“Introduction to Climate Change” - students explore differences between 'weather' and 'climate', learn about the Greenhouse effect, and examine what humanity can do about climate change.

For grades 6-9:

“Planet Water” - students will learn about the world's water, Arizona's water, and will receive an introduction to oceanography.

For grades 6-10:

“Marine Science Laboratory” - a hands-on, student-driven field lab experience that introduces students to the studies of oceanography, marine biology, and marine ecology. Note: due to space, this program is limited to 24 students total, with 6-8 students per station. This is a day long field trip.

New activities are frequently added! Please visit our website at www.b2science.org/teach/field for the most up-to-date information, and for more details about each activity.

*Note: Cost of these activities is variable based on the activity selected, and is in addition to the tour costs.